Peru Penguin Conservation

Journey to Peru, where you will stay close to the beach in the coastal region of the Pimental District, near to the town of Chiclayo. During your participation in the program, you will partake in the daily operations of a penguin center, where your main task will be to work alongside a dedicated team which focuses on the conservation of Humboldt penguins and other environmental activities.

The program includes a variety of important tasks that need to be completed in order to build up and create a safe habitat for the penguins.

The Humboldt Penguin is a medium-sized penguin species that breeds on the Pacific coast of Peru and Chile, and is named after the cold Humboldt Current that runs north along the coast of South America. During the last years, the number of the penguin population declined due to overfishing, climate change, ocean pollution, habitat destruction and other facts. The Humboldt Penguin is regarded as a threatened species in danger of extinction.

In your spare time you will have the opportunity to go to the local town of Chiclayo, which has a shoping centre, cinema and nightlife or for the curious and adventurous traveller, go further afield to explore the diverse geograpical, cultural and environmental aspects of this region of Peru has to offer.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Staying within walking distance to the beach

Working at the penguin centre and assisting in hands-on conservation of the Humboldt penguin

Opportunites to immerse yourself in the local culture and environment

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be aged 18 or over

FAST FACTS

Location

Chiclayo, Peru

Activities

Restoration and cleaning of penguins natural habitat
Creating natural fencing for their protection
Preparation of food
Feeding the penguins

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The Humbolt Penguin is native to the coast of Chile and Peru and only found within this region of South America. They survive on a diet of small schooling fish and forage on the local fauna, but due to overfishing of the oceans in this region, and habitat destruction/pollution by humans, the numbers of penguins are in severe decline and are now an endangered species, therefore conservation, through the action of volunteers and local community members, is vital for the penguins population and survival.

The project work involves daily activities at the penguin centre, which will culminate in providing a safe habitat for the penguins.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Monday

On your first day, to prepare you for your volunteer role, you will receive an inital training and orientation session about the project, which includes background information about this fascinating species of penguins regarding their special needs and behavior, and a short video.

Tuesday to Thursday

After breakfast, you will catch the public transport from Pimentel to the penguin center. On Tuesday, however, you will enjoy a 40 minute walk to the center instead of public transport and admire the scenic desert with views of the Pacific Ocean and you might even get lucky enough to get a glimpse of splendid marine life. The rest of the week, you will get to the center directly by public transportation instead of walking.

Once arrived, you’ll discover the penguin center together with the coordinator and other participants. After the introduction and task arrangement, you’ll start your project and take part in an environmental or penguin conservation activity such as:

Construction work

Creating a natural fence

Reforestation of cactus

Preparation of food for the penguins

Feeding the penguins

Cleaning the beach

***Feeding the penguins is not possible during reproduction time, which is from May to June and September to October.***

Friday

After breakfast you will go to a nearby school to forward the information you’ve gained and developed during this exciting week to the students. In this way, you help promote the conservation of the Humboldt Penguins and raise awareness of environmental issues affecting the wildlife in Peru. Afterwards, you will have free time to relax or explore the area.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

Arrive at Chiclayo (CIX) Airport between 6am and 8pm on the Sunday and you will be met by local staff and taken to the project site.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Either in the standard residence or in homestay with a local family:

Standard Residence:

The location is close Chiclayo were there are several houses close to the beach and close to the school (walking distance 1-10 minutes), where students and participants can live. Standard is higher than average Peruvian standard, but please consider that Peru is still a third world country. Power outages or internet failures are not unusual.

Each house has space for 8-30 participants. Rooms are spacious and completely furnished with a table, a chair, a dresser/wardrobe, a mirror and a lockable box or drawer to lock in valuables. We provide bed linen. All houses have several shared bathrooms, a shared kitchen equipped with all necessary cooking utensils and a shared fridge. Their common areas are eating areas as well as roof top terraces with hammocks to relax after a long day.

All common facilities are cleaned at least once per week, usually way more often, depending on need. Rooms are to be cleaned by the participants themselves, but we provide cleaning equipment.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

All meals are included, even on weekends, and are usually typical Peruvian dishes.

Standard Residence - Monday to Friday all meals are included, served at our school. Saturday and Sunday brunch and dinner is provided. Vegetarian/vegan food options are available.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Pimentel itself is relatively small and calm, but there are plenty of small restaurants and shops around the area. There are multiple opportunities to experience the Peruvian cluture, lifestyle and environment and to make lots of friends, with activities including salsa or capoeira dancing, sports activities, bbq party and city tours. There are also numerous short, full day or even weekend trips, for those adventurous travellers!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.